271 results on '"physical ergonomics"'
Search Results
252. Physical ergonomics analysis for power hand drill
- Author
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Qu Deyin, Chen Jialin, and Zheng Linxin
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Engineering ,Drill ,Product design ,Physical Ergonomics ,business.industry ,Human–computer interaction ,SAFER ,Functional anatomy ,Mechanical engineering ,Human factors and ergonomics ,business ,Hand tool ,Power (physics) - Abstract
Power hand drill is a representative hand tool product. All human factors considerations for hand tools design can be applied into the design of power hand drill. The physical ergonomics relates closely to severe healthy and safety problems caused by using improper designed hand tools. This paper puts forward the principles for hand tools design, and analyzes thoroughly the physical ergonomics from four aspects that are the anthropometry, biomechanics, functional anatomy and physiology. The overall goal is to optimize the relationship between users and the hand tools, to design hand tools safer to use and to design hand tools to improve user's using performance
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- 2006
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253. Corporate-internal vs. national standard – A comparison study of two ergonomics evaluation procedures used in automotive manufacturing
- Author
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Berlin, Cecilia, Örtengren, Roland, Lämkull, Dan, Hanson, Lars, Berlin, Cecilia, Örtengren, Roland, Lämkull, Dan, and Hanson, Lars
- Abstract
Manufacturing corporations sometimes use corporate-internal procedures to evaluate and monitor the ergonomic status of the workplace. This article describes an industrial case study in the Swedish automotive sector, where an internally developed evaluation procedure was compared with a procedure based on a Swedish national standard provision. It was found that the national standard procedure tended to give more severe ratings and statistical support shows that the two evaluation procedures are not equivalent. The ability of the methods to identify body segments at risk was also compared. The quantitative comparison was followed up with interviews, where the influence of professional tasks and objectives became evident, as well as the fact that evaluation criteria are quantified differently by the two procedures. The main finding is that unforeseen differences in analysis procedure, criteria of acceptability and levels of detail can cause use-related difficulties for different professional groups when methods are used interchangeably. Relevance to industry: Industrial corporations wishing to monitor ergonomics consistently are advised by the authors to ensure that ratings from internal evaluations are interpreted the same way by all involved personnel, and that they at least have criteria levels equivalent to those of a national standard., This paper is partly a result of the research project 4D Ergonomics which is carried out within Virtual Ergonomics Centre (http://www.vec.se) and is financially supported within the MERA (Manufacturing Engineering Research Area) program under grant no. 2005-01998 by VINNOVA (the Swedish Agency for Innovation Systems) and the participating organizations (Alviva, Dassault Systèmes, Etteplan, SAAB Automobile Siemens/UGS and Volvo Car Corporation). This support is gratefully acknowledged. The authors also would like to express their gratitude to European Ergonomists Ann-Christine Falck, Kristina Troedsson and production ergonomist Sari Rosenström. Thanks also go to the ergonomists from the occupational health service organization in the studied factory.Many thanks to Oscar Person, Marita Christmansson, Lars-Ola Bligård, Annki Falck, Dan Högberg and two anonymous reviewers for useful and constructive insights and comments regarding the contents and structure of the article., 4D Ergonomics
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- 2009
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254. Comparing the biomechanical and psychophysical demands imposed on paramedics when using manual and powered stretchers.
- Author
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Lad U, Oomen NMCW, Callaghan JP, and Fischer SL
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- Adult, Attitude of Health Personnel, Biomechanical Phenomena, Female, Humans, Lumbar Vertebrae physiology, Male, Middle Aged, Occupational Health, Posture, Psychophysics, Shoulder physiology, Task Performance and Analysis, Time Factors, Video Recording, Allied Health Personnel, Lifting, Physical Exertion physiology, Stretchers
- Abstract
The aim of this investigation was to compare the effect of three different stretchers (two powered and one manual) on the biomechanical and psychophysical demands experienced by paramedics when performing routine stretcher handling activities. Eight experienced paramedics performed stretcher raising, lowering, unloading and loading tasks. Video data of task performance and static force requirements were recorded and input into a posture matching program with a quasi-static linked segment model (3DMatch) to compute peak and cumulative L4/L5 compression and shear forces and shoulder moments during each activity. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded from paramedics upon the completion of each task. Use of powered stretchers with load assist functionality reduced the demands on paramedics. Peak L4/L5 forces were reduced by 13-62% and 58-93% for compression and shear respectively when using powered stretchers to perform routine stretcher handling activities. Shoulder flexor moments and RPE scores were reduced by 16-95% and 29-60% respectively when using the powered stretchers compared to the manual stretcher. However, cumulative forces showed mixed results. Although powered stretcher use decreased peak forces, loading and unloading a powered stretcher took 1.5 to 3.4 times longer then when using the manual stretcher, which may explain the mixed results regarding cumulative forces. Based on the RPE scores, paramedics preferred power stretchers relative to the manual stretcher. This study demonstrates that powered stretchers can reduce peak biomechanical and psychophysical exposures associated with the development of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) during routine stretcher handling activities with minimal increases in cumulative exposures., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2018
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255. Barriers to the Adoption of Wearable Sensors in the Workplace: A Survey of Occupational Safety and Health Professionals.
- Author
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Schall MC Jr, Sesek RF, and Cavuoto LA
- Subjects
- Adult, Humans, Privacy, Workplace, Ergonomics statistics & numerical data, Health Personnel statistics & numerical data, Musculoskeletal Diseases diagnosis, Musculoskeletal Diseases prevention & control, Occupational Diseases diagnosis, Occupational Diseases prevention & control, Occupational Health statistics & numerical data, Wearable Electronic Devices statistics & numerical data
- Abstract
Objective: To gather information on the (a) types of wearable sensors, particularly personal activity monitors, currently used by occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals; (b) potential benefits of using such technologies in the workplace; and (c) perceived barriers preventing the widespread adoption of wearable sensors in industry., Background: Wearable sensors are increasingly being promoted as a means to improve employee health and well-being, and there is mounting evidence supporting their use as exposure assessment and personal health tools. Despite this, many workplaces have been hesitant to adopt these technologies., Methods: An electronic survey was emailed to 28,428 registered members of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) and 1,302 professionals certified by the Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics (BCPE)., Results: A total of 952 valid responses were returned. Over half of respondents described being in favor of using wearable sensors to track OSH-related risk factors and relevant exposure metrics at their respective workplaces. However, barriers including concerns regarding employee privacy/confidentiality of collected data, employee compliance, sensor durability, the cost/benefit ratio of using wearables, and good manufacturing practice requirements were described as challenges precluding adoption., Conclusion: The broad adoption of wearable technologies appears to depend largely on the scientific community's ability to successfully address the identified barriers., Application: Investigators may use the information provided to develop research studies that better address OSH practitioner concerns and help technology developers operationalize wearable sensors to improve employee health and well-being.
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- 2018
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256. Differences in posture kinematics between using a tablet, a laptop, and a desktop computer in sitting and in standing.
- Author
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Yu Z, James C, Edwards S, and Snodgrass SJ
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- Adult, Biomechanical Phenomena, Ergonomics, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Microcomputers, Sitting Position, Standing Position
- Abstract
Background: Alternative methods of accessing the internet and performing computing-related work tasks are becoming common, e.g., using tablets or standing workstations. Few studies examine postural differences while using these alternative methods., Objective: To assess neck and upper limb kinematics while using a tablet, laptop and desktop computer (sitting and standing)., Methods: Differences in neck flexion/extension, lateral flexion, rotation; elbow flexion/extension; wrist flexion/extension, radial/ulnar deviation; and shoulder elevation in 30 participants were assessed in four conditions, three in sitting (tablet, laptop and desktop computer) and one in standing (desktop computer). Three-dimensional motion capture recorded posture variables during an editing task. Differences between variables were determined using one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc tests., Results: Compared to the desktop (sitting), tablet and laptop use resulted in increased neck flexion (mean difference tablet 16.92°, 95% CI 12.79-21.04; laptop 10.92, 7.86-13.97, P < 0.001) and shoulder elevation (right; tablet 10.29, 5.27-15.11; laptop 7.36, 3.72-11.01, P < 0.001). There were no meaningful posture differences between the sitting and standing desktop., Conclusions: These findings suggest that using a tablet or laptop may increase neck flexion, potentially increasing posture strain. Regular users of tablets/laptops should consider adjustments in their posture, however, further research is required to determine whether posture adjustments prevent or reduce musculoskeletal symptoms.
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- 2018
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257. Risk factors for work-related musculo-skeletal disorders in the nursing profession : a review
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Sherehiy, Bohdana, Karwowski, Waldemar, and Marek, Tadeusz
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nursing ,musculo-skeletal disorders ,physical ergonomics ,risk factors - Published
- 2004
258. Expert assessment of physical ergonomics at video-display unit workstations: repeatability, validity and responsiveness to changes
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Ritva Luukkonen, Esa-Pekka Takala, Risto Toivonen, Eira Viikari-Juntura, and Ritva Ketola
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Workstation ,Anthropometry ,Computer science ,Applied psychology ,Posture ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Video Recording ,Human factors and ergonomics ,Repeatability ,law.invention ,Unit (housing) ,Professional Competence ,Physical Ergonomics ,law ,Computer Terminals ,Assessment methods ,Visual Perception ,Humans ,Ergonomics ,Computer Peripherals ,Workplace ,Occupational Health ,Follow-Up Studies ,Interior Design and Furnishings - Abstract
Inter-observer repeatability, validity and responsiveness to change were determined for an expert assessment method for video-display unit (VDU) workstation ergonomics. The aim was to determine to what extent the expert assessment of ergonomics is related to the technical measurements, tidiness and space, work chair ergonomics and responds to changes in these characteristics. Technical measurements and video-recordings before and 2 months after an ergonomic intervention were made for 109 VDU office workstations. Two experts in ergonomics analysed and rated the ergonomics of the workstations. A researcher analysed tidiness and available space. A physiotherapist classified the work chairs used according to their ergonomic properties. The intra-class correlation coefficient between the workstation ergonomic ratings of the two experts was 0.74 at the baseline and 0.81 at the follow-up. Workstation tidiness and space, and work chair ergonomics, had a strong effect on the assessments of both experts. For both experts a change in the locations of the mouse, the screen and the keyboard and values of tidiness and space and work chair ergonomics during the intervention showed a significant association with the ratings. The assessment method studied can be utilized by an expert in a repeatable manner both in cross-sectional and in longitudinal settings.
- Published
- 2003
259. Physical ergonomics in veterinary dentistry
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Donald H. DeForge
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040301 veterinary sciences ,Posture ,Specialty ,MEDLINE ,Dentistry ,medicine.disease_cause ,Work related ,0403 veterinary science ,Body of knowledge ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Physical Ergonomics ,Veterinary dentistry ,medicine ,Animals ,Humans ,Medical education ,General Veterinary ,Poor posture ,business.industry ,Human factors and ergonomics ,030206 dentistry ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Occupational Diseases ,Ergonomics ,business - Abstract
Ergonomics is the application of a body of knowledge addressing the interactions between man and the total working environment, such as atmosphere, heat, light and sound, as well as all tools and equipment of the workplace. a Work related musculoskeletal injuries, caused by poor posture, have been discussed in human dentistry for several years. Veterinary dentistry, as a relatively new specialty within veterinary medicine, should address the ergonomics of poor posture without further delay to prevent work-related injuries. The generalist, as well as the specialist and their technicians, are subject to various neck and back disorders if proper ergonomic recommendations are not followed. This review article highlights basic ergonomic design principles for illumination and posture in veterinary dentistry.
- Published
- 2003
260. Physical risk factors identification based on body sensor network combined to videotaping.
- Author
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Vignais N, Bernard F, Touvenot G, and Sagot JC
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- Adult, Biomechanical Phenomena, Elbow Joint physiology, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Musculoskeletal Diseases etiology, Neck physiology, Occupational Diseases etiology, Risk Assessment methods, Risk Factors, Shoulder Joint physiology, Torso physiology, Video Recording, Biosensing Techniques methods, Ergonomics methods, Task Performance and Analysis, Work physiology
- Abstract
The aim of this study was to perform an ergonomic analysis of a material handling task by combining a subtask video analysis and a RULA computation, implemented continuously through a motion capture system combining inertial sensors and electrogoniometers. Five workers participated to the experiment. Seven inertial measurement units, placed on the worker's upper body (pelvis, thorax, head, arms, forearms), were implemented through a biomechanical model of the upper body to continuously provide trunk, neck, shoulder and elbow joint angles. Wrist joint angles were derived from electrogoniometers synchronized with the inertial measurement system. Worker's activity was simultaneously recorded using video. During post-processing, joint angles were used as inputs to a computationally implemented ergonomic evaluation based on the RULA method. Consequently a RULA score was calculated at each time step to characterize the risk of exposure of the upper body (right and left sides). Local risk scores were also computed to identify the anatomical origin of the exposure. Moreover, the video-recorded work activity was time-studied in order to classify and quantify all subtasks involved into the task. Results showed that mean RULA scores were at high risk for all participants (6 and 6.2 for right and left sides respectively). A temporal analysis demonstrated that workers spent most part of the work time at a RULA score of 7 (right: 49.19 ± 35.27%; left: 55.5 ± 29.69%). Mean local scores revealed that most exposed joints during the task were elbows, lower arms, wrists and hands. Elbows and lower arms were indeed at a high level of risk during the total time of a work cycle (100% for right and left sides). Wrist and hands were also exposed to a risky level for much of the period of work (right: 82.13 ± 7.46%; left: 77.85 ± 12.46%). Concerning the subtask analysis, subtasks called 'snow thrower', 'opening the vacuum sealer', 'cleaning' and 'storing' have been identified as the most awkward for right and left sides given mean RULA scores and percentages of time spent at risky levels. Results analysis permitted to suggest ergonomic recommendations for the redesign of the workstation. Contributions of the proposed innovative system dedicated to physical ergonomic assessment are further discussed., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2017
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261. Theoretical issues in physical ergonomics
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Patrick G. Dempsey
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Engineering ,business.industry ,Physical Ergonomics ,Human Factors and Ergonomics ,Engineering ethics ,business - Published
- 2002
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262. Biomechanical and organisational stressors and associations with employment withdrawal among pregnant workers: evidence and implications.
- Author
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Guendelman S, Gemmill A, and MacDonald LA
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- Adult, Biomechanical Phenomena, California, Case-Control Studies, Employment, Female, Humans, Logistic Models, Multivariate Analysis, Odds Ratio, Pregnancy, Young Adult, Lifting, Parental Leave, Posture, Pregnant Women, Stress, Physiological, Stress, Psychological, Unemployment
- Abstract
The distribution of exposure to biomechanical and organisational job stressors (BOJS) and associations with employment withdrawal (antenatal leave, unemployment) was examined in a case-control study of 1114 pregnant workers in California. We performed descriptive and multivariate logistic and multinomial regression analyses. At pregnancy onset, 57% were exposed to one or more biomechanical stressors, including frequent bending, heavy lifting and prolonged standing. One-third were simultaneously exposed to BOJS. Exposure to biomechanical stressors declined as pregnancy progressed and cessation often (41%) coincided with employment withdrawal (antenatal leave and unemployment). In multivariate modelling, whether we adjusted for or considered organisational stressors as coincident exposures, results showed that pregnant workers exposed to biomechanical stressors had increased employment withdrawal compared to the unexposed. Work schedule accommodations moderate this association. Paid antenatal leave, available to few US women, was an important strategy for mitigating exposure to BOJS. Implications for science and policy are discussed. Practitioner Summary: This case-control study showed that exposure to biomechanical stressors decline throughout pregnancy. Antenatal leave was an important strategy used for mitigating exposure among sampled California women with access to paid benefits. Employment withdrawal among workers exposed to BJOS may be reduced by proactive administrative and engineering efforts applied early in pregnancy.
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- 2016
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263. Physiological Motion Axis for the Seat of a Dynamic Office Chair.
- Author
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Kuster RP, Bauer CM, Oetiker S, and Kool J
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- Biomechanical Phenomena, Humans, Ergonomics, Motion, Posture physiology, Spine physiology, Workplace
- Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine and verify the optimal location of the motion axis (MA) for the seat of a dynamic office chair., Background: A dynamic seat that supports pelvic motion may improve physical well-being and decrease the risk of sitting-associated disorders. However, office work requires an undisturbed view on the work task, which means a stable position of the upper trunk and head. Current dynamic office chairs do not fulfill this need. Consequently, a dynamic seat was adapted to the physiological kinematics of the human spine., Method: Three-dimensional motion tracking in free sitting helped determine the physiological MA of the spine in the frontal plane. Three dynamic seats with physiological, lower, and higher MA were compared in stable upper body posture (thorax inclination) and seat support of pelvic motion (dynamic fitting accuracy). Spinal kinematics during sitting and walking were compared., Results: The physiological MA was at the level of the 11th thoracic vertebra, causing minimal thorax inclination and high dynamic fitting accuracy. Spinal motion in active sitting and walking was similar., Conclusion: The physiological MA of the seat allows considerable lateral flexion of the spine similar to walking with a stable upper body posture and a high seat support of pelvic motion., Application: The physiological MA enables lateral flexion of the spine, similar to walking, without affecting stable upper body posture, thus allowing active sitting while focusing on work., (© 2016, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.)
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- 2016
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264. Variable Lifting Index (VLI): A New Method for Evaluating Variable Lifting Tasks.
- Author
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Waters T, Occhipinti E, Colombini D, Alvarez-Casado E, and Fox R
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- Humans, United States, Ergonomics, Lifting, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S., Occupational Health, Risk Assessment
- Abstract
Objective: We seek to develop a new approach for analyzing the physical demands of highly variable lifting tasks through an adaptation of the Revised NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) Lifting Equation (RNLE) into a Variable Lifting Index (VLI)., Background: There are many jobs that contain individual lifts that vary from lift to lift due to the task requirements. The NIOSH Lifting Equation is not suitable in its present form to analyze variable lifting tasks., Method: In extending the prior work on the VLI, two procedures are presented to allow users to analyze variable lifting tasks. One approach involves the sampling of lifting tasks performed by a worker over a shift and the calculation of the Frequency Independent Lift Index (FILI) for each sampled lift and the aggregation of the FILI values into six categories. The Composite Lift Index (CLI) equation is used with lifting index (LI) category frequency data to calculate the VLI. The second approach employs a detailed systematic collection of lifting task data from production and/or organizational sources. The data are organized into simplified task parameter categories and further aggregated into six FILI categories, which also use the CLI equation to calculate the VLI., Results: The two procedures will allow practitioners to systematically employ the VLI method to a variety of work situations where highly variable lifting tasks are performed., Conclusions: The scientific basis for the VLI procedure is similar to that for the CLI originally presented by NIOSH; however, the VLI method remains to be validated., Application: The VLI method allows an analyst to assess highly variable manual lifting jobs in which the task characteristics vary from lift to lift during a shift., (© 2015, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.)
- Published
- 2016
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265. A survey of anthropometry and physical accommodation in ergonomics curricula.
- Author
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Garneau CJ and Parkinson MB
- Subjects
- Humans, Surveys and Questionnaires, United States, Universities, Anthropometry, Curriculum trends, Ergonomics
- Abstract
The size and shape of users are an important consideration for many products and environments. Designers and engineers in many disciplines must often accommodate these attributes to meet objectives such as fit and safety. When practitioners have academic training in addressing these issues, it is typically through courses in Human Factors/Ergonomics (HF/E). This paper investigates education related to physical accommodation and offers suggestions for improvement. A survey was conducted wherein 21 instructors at 18 universities in the United States provided syllabi for 29 courses, which were analysed to determine topics related to anthropometry and resources used for the courses. The results show that within the U.S., anthropometry is covered in the majority of courses discussing physical ergonomics, but important related concepts were often omitted (e.g., digital human modelling, multivariate accommodation and variability across global populations). Curricula could be improved by incorporating more accurate anthropometry, multivariate problems and interactive online tools., Practitioner Summary: This paper describes a study investigating collegiate ergonomics courses within the U.S. in the area of physical accommodation. Course schedules and texts were studied for their treatment of several topics related to accommodating the spatial requirements (anthropometry) of users. Recommendations are made for improving course curricula.
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- 2016
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266. Spine Posture and Discomfort During Prolonged Simulated Driving With Self-Selected Lumbar Support Prominence.
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De Carvalho DE and Callaghan JP
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- Adult, Biomechanical Phenomena, Equipment Design, Female, Humans, Male, Sex Factors, Young Adult, Automobile Driving, Ergonomics, Low Back Pain prevention & control, Lumbar Vertebrae, Posture physiology
- Abstract
Objective: We examined magnitude preference, subjective discomfort, and spine posture during prolonged simulated driving with a self-selected amount of lumbar support., Background: The general use of lumbar supports has been associated with decreased reports of low-back pain during driving exposures; however, minimal data exist regarding occupant magnitude preference., Method: Participants chose between five discrete levels of lumbar support (0-4 cm). Time-varying postural and discomfort responses were then monitored throughout 2 hr of simulated driving., Results: There were no significant effects of gender or time on posture. Women preferred larger amounts of support than men (3.25 cm ± 0.71 and 2.56 cm ± 0.88, respectively, p = .048). All participants exhibited significant increases (p = .003) in pelvic discomfort throughout the 2-hr trial regardless of the level of support chosen. Discomfort related to various aspects of the lumbar support increased significantly over time. Retrospectively, no participants desired a setting beyond 4 cm, and the majority of respondents indicate had they been able to change their initial selection, they would choose a setting between 2 and 3 cm., Conclusion: The results suggest that occupants would prefer increasing the excursion capability of automobile lumbar supports beyond 2 cm., Application: Excursion capability and adjustability of automobile lumbar supports are important features to better meet end-user preference and to reducing lumbar flexion in sitting., (© 2015, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.)
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- 2015
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267. AN INVESTIGATION OF MEDICAL DEVICE DESIGN AND PHYSICAL ERGONOMICS IN HEALTHCARE
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de Laveaga, Adam E
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- Human Factors Engineering, Physical Ergonomics, Healthcare, Process Improvement, Medical Devices, Ergonomics, Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering
- Abstract
Human factors and process engineering are becoming a prominent area of research and application for industrial engineering principles as healthcare providers seek to improve patient safety, quality the optimization of resources. Human factors engineering and ergonomics play a crucial role in the pursuit of operational excellence and patient safety in healthcare. These disciplines contain the tools required to develop instrumentation, technology and training that can improve the usability of medical technology and the quality of care that patients receive. Designing tasks, tools and processes for optimal human use can enhance performance, reduce errors and improve safety. This thesis encompasses three journal articles. The first paper addresses how physical ergonomics can be used to evaluate and improve skill acquisition in endotracheal intubation. Significant differences in muscle utilization and wrist postures were observed between experience levels and genders of clinicians. Differences in muscle utilization and wrist postures were found to be significantly related to instrument grasp characteristics, identifying potential ergonomic best practices. The second paper investigates the mechanical design of laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgical ports from a human factors perspective. This study characterized the differences in resistance and range of motion afforded by each LESS port during simulated single-incision use. The resistance of each port varied significantly with respect to instrument positions. The final paper explored each LESS surgical port against standard laparoscopy by using a validated laparoscopic training task to assess the usability and performance of each device. Instrument mobility was restricted by the LESS ports, but it did not affect task performance significantly. While each device exhibited positive and negative human factors attributes for clinicians and patients, it was concluded that procedural factors rather than device familiarity should influence LESS port selection. Advisor: M. Susan Hallbeck
- Published
- 2012
268. A Comparison of Examination Equipment Used During Common Clinical Ophthalmologic Tasks.
- Author
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Schall MC Jr, Fethke NB, Chen H, and Kitzmann AS
- Abstract
Background: Ophthalmologists report a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms, particularly of the neck and shoulders. Improving the design of equipment used in the clinical environment may reduce exposures to physical risk factors (e.g., sustained muscular exertions and non-neutral postures) associated with neck and shoulder pain among ophthalmologists., Purpose: To compare estimates of neck and shoulder muscle activity and upper arm posture during use of conventional and alternative examination equipment common in clinical ophthalmologic practice., Methods: Fifteen ophthalmologists performed one mock clinical examination using conventional equipment and one mock clinical examination using alternative equipment with the potential to reduce exposure to sustained muscular exertions and non-neutral upper arm postures. The alternative equipment included a slit-lamp biomicroscope with inclined viewing oculars, adjustable elbow supports, and a wider table-top with more room for supporting the arms in comparison to the conventional slit-lamp biomicroscope. A wireless binocular indirect ophthalmoscope was also evaluated that had a more even weight distribution than the conventional design. Measurements of upper trapezius and anterior deltoid muscle activity, upper arm posture, and perceived usability were used to compare the conventional and alternative equipment., Results: In comparison to the conventional slit lamp biomicroscope, the alternative slit lamp biomicroscope led to (i) 12% to 13% reductions in upper trapezius muscle activity levels, (ii) a 9% reduction in left anterior deltoid muscle activity levels, and (iii) a 15% reduction in the percentage of work time spent with the left upper arm elevated in positions greater than 60°. In addition, participants rated the comfort and adjustability of both the alternative slit lamp biomicroscope and binocular indirect ophthalmoscope more favorably than the conventional equipment., Conclusions: The results suggest that the alternative slit-lamp biomicroscope may help to reduce overall muscular demands and non-neutral postures of the neck and shoulder region among ophthalmologists., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest Statement The authors declare no conflict of interest. Equipment used in this study was obtained from Haag-Streit USA/Reliance Medical Products, Mason, OH, USA. Haag-Streit USA/Reliance Medical Products had no role in the design or conduct of this research.
- Published
- 2014
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269. Physical ergonomics job design: An accident prevention approach to control upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders in manufacturing industry
- Author
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A.M. Genaidy
- Subjects
Engineering ,business.industry ,Accident prevention ,Control (management) ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Poison control ,Human factors and ergonomics ,Job design ,Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation ,Human Factors and Ergonomics ,Suicide prevention ,Occupational safety and health ,Cumulative trauma disorder ,Engineering controls ,Physical Ergonomics ,Manufacturing ,Injury prevention ,Job analysis ,Forensic engineering ,Operations management ,Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality ,business ,Safety Research ,Engineering (miscellaneous) - Abstract
Industrial tasks are a major cause of cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) of the upper extremity in the workplace. Thus, ergonomie job analysis was used in a manufacturing industry to identify five operations which posed employees to a high risk of CTDs. Moreover, the risk factors associated with these operations were recognized and quantified using physical ergonomics job design principles. Based on the analysis, engineering controls were recommended.
- Published
- 1991
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270. Electromyography Analysis: Comparison of Maximum Voluntary Contraction Methods for Anterior Deltoid and Trapezius Muscles
- Author
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Fereydoun Aghazadeh and Saif Al-Qaisi
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education.field_of_study ,medicine.medical_specialty ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,Shoulders ,business.industry ,Maximum voluntary contraction ,Population ,Biomechanics ,Electromyography ,Physical ergonomics ,musculoskeletal system ,Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering ,body regions ,Artificial Intelligence ,Shoulder abduction ,Physical Ergonomics ,Anterior deltoid ,Physical therapy ,medicine ,Electromyography (EMG) ,education ,business ,human activities ,Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) - Abstract
Electromyography (EMG) analysis techniques are widely used in ergonomics and biomechanical studies for analyzing the demand of a job, comparing different tasks, and ergonomics design. To perform such analyses, the EMG data must first be normalized to maximum voluntary contractions (MVC). Normalized EMG data not only allows comparisons to be made between different tasks, but it also informs about how active muscles are relative to their maximum capabilities. Different MVC exercises have become accepted as a standard only by their wide use. However, systematic research on the effectiveness of different MVC methods are still needed to identify the exercises that will produce the true maximum contraction levels of muscles. The purpose of this study was to compare the accepted MVC methods in the literature for the anterior deltoid and trapezius muscles to newly proposed MVC methods. Eight participants were recruited from the Louisiana State University (LSU) population. The proposed MVC for the anterior deltoids involved positioning the shoulders at 90o flexion with fixed straps wrapped around the distal end of the upper arm. In this position, participants were asked to exert upward forces against the straps while attempting to use only the shoulder muscles. The proposed MVC for the trapezii involved performing lateral raises at 100o shoulder abduction against fixed chains. These MVC methods were compared to their respective accepted MVCs in the literature. The proposed MVC for the right and left anterior deltoids resulted in 58% and 46% higher EMG levels, respectively, than the accepted MVC. The proposed MVC for both the right and left trapezii produced 68% higher EMG levels than the accepted MVC. The new MVC methods were found to allow the production of more accurate EMG signals of the maximum contraction levels.
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271. Design of Human-Centered Collaborative Assembly Workstations for the Improvement of Operators’ Physical Ergonomics and Production Efficiency: A Case Study
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Luca Gualtieri, Ilaria Palomba, Fabio Antonio Merati, Erwin Rauch, and Renato Vidoni
- Subjects
lcsh:GE1-350 ,Human-robot collaboration ,lcsh:Environmental effects of industries and plants ,lcsh:TJ807-830 ,Assembly ,Small and medium sized enterprise ,SME ,lcsh:Renewable energy sources ,Physical ergonomics ,Industry 4.0 ,Human-centered design ,lcsh:TD194-195 ,Collaborative robotics ,lcsh:Environmental sciences - Abstract
Industrial collaborative robotics is one of the main enabling technologies of Industry 4.0. Collaborative robots are innovative cyber-physical systems, which allow safe and efficient physical interactions with operators by combining typical machine strengths with inimitable human skills. One of the main uses of collaborative robots will be the support of humans in the most physically stressful activities through a reduction of work-related biomechanical overload, especially in manual assembly activities. The improvement of operators’ occupational work conditions and the development of human-centered and ergonomic production systems is one of the key points of the ongoing fourth industrial revolution. The factory of the future should focus on the implementation of adaptable, reconfigurable, and sustainable production systems, which consider the human as their core and valuable part. Strengthening actual assembly workstations by integrating smart automation solutions for the enhancement of operators’ occupational health and safety will be one of the main goals of the near future. In this paper, the transformation of a manual workstation for wire harness assembly into a collaborative and human-centered one is presented. The purpose of the work is to present a case study research for the design of a collaborative workstation to improve the operators’ physical ergonomics while keeping or increasing the level of productivity. Results demonstrate that the achieved solution provides valuable benefits for the operators’ working conditions as well as for the production performance of the companies. In particular, the biomechanical overload of the worker has been reduced by 12.0% for the right part and by 28% for the left part in terms of manual handling, and by 50% for the left part and by 57% for the right part in terms of working postures. In addition, a reduction of the cycle time of 12.3% has been achieved.
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